Willy DeVille, RIP

Really sad news. He was one of the ultimate streetwise romeo's, and helped give the 70's its swagger. RIP.

A tremendous loss. An underappreciated great.

Damn. RIP. He will be missed.

Loved the Princess Bride. His song made the movie.

An underground legend sadly passes. Playing "Mixed Up Shook Up Girl," now.

still hard to believe a guy this talented wasn't a huge star.

i once saw Mink de Ville open for the Ramones at CBGB's!

wow, this is really shocking. RIP, Willie.

A sad loss to all his many fans across the world. His music will live on always. An Irish saying goes "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal."

That´s sad. I really liked his music.

That´s sad. I really liked his music.

He was a great talent. Largely unappreciated in the U.S.A. (guess he wasn't either "headbanging" or "gangsta" enough)he was big in Europe and rightfully so. Nobody re-captured the Ben E.King/Drifters, Doc Pomus/Mort Shuman sound like he did. R.I.P.

"Wishing your spirit a good journey" - I never got to see him, he never made NY show in December, but felt like I knew him through his music and the parallels in our lives. Loved you Willy, always will...

Check out the debut album "Mink DeVille" to really appreciate how great he was. It's one of the most under-appreciated albums from the 1970's.
Spanish Stroll is awesome, and the rest of the album is very strong.

Someone should write a book (or movie) about Willy!
Left behind a tremendous, body of work--all quality stuff that does not sound dated. And what style, both musically and physically! And what a guy. Some people are referring to him as a "character" and yes he was, at times. But he also possessed plenty OF it. A kind, caring, approachable and humble man, who was very proud of his work. I first met him in L.A. back in 88 or 89. We quickly discovered that we had many things in common, and remained good friends for over 20 years. He was a true "American Treasure", like the great Billie Holiday. He deserved far more attention in the U.S. He had many rabid fans all over the world who already miss him, greatly. Condolences to Nina and his loyal friends.RIP, Willy. Len Fagan len.fagan@yahoo.com

I saw him at BB King's in the fall of 2006 -- it was my first NYC concert and Willie was amazing. I got to sit right up front as he delivered sterling classics from his "Acoustic Trio In Berlin" double-CD, like "Let It Be Me, "Spanish Harlem," and a great cover of "Billy The Kid" which I yelled out for, from Bob Dylan's classic sounstrack to the _Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid_ movie. It's too bad his latter day classics, _Backstreets of Desire_, _Acoustic Trio Live In Berlin," and _Crow Jane Alley_ didn't get more attention in North America: all were very strong albums. As Willie aged, his vocals became even deeper and more soulful, and had he survived I'm sure he would have given us many more classics. Willie, thanks for my magical introduction to New York City: you will always be in my thoughts and in my heart. RIP.

A sad loss to music.

We've created an online tribute at: http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/deville/3129085